"Last weekend [the Israeli military commander, Lieutenant General] Moshe Ya'alon did something ... that raised eyebrows in the Arab world ... He told Yaron London in an interview for the Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth that if political leadership reaches a peace agreement with Syria, in which it gives up the Golan Heights, the Israeli Defence Force will be able to defend Israel without the Golan. That is the opposite of what Shimon Peres was told when he took over as prime minister and defence minister in 1995 ...

"The former housing minister, Effi Eitam, responded by saying Gen Ya'alon was hallucinating. That is the last thing Gen Ya'alon can be accused of ... This time the chief of staff is essentially urging politicians to negotiate and reach an agreement with Syria ... This places a huge challenge before the political echelons."

Arab News Editorial, Saudi Arabia, August 16

"The world has been surprised to hear ... that the continued occupation of Syria's Golan Heights will not be strictly necessary to ensure [Israel's] future security. Meanwhile Israel's deputy premier, Ehud Olmert, has [announced] he believes that far more than just four illegal Israeli West Bank settlements will have to be evacuated as set out in the Bush-endorsed Sharon plan, which also involved a total withdrawal of settlers from Gaza.

"The effect of these two announcements will be to make the outside world think that there is a genuine debate under way at the most senior levels in Israel ... Unfortunately past experience suggests this is just another piece of hokum ... The fact that these so-called initiatives will come to absolutely nothing is irrelevant as far as the Israelis are concerned. They have once again presented themselves as the good cop, to whom strong-armed tactics, repression and illegality are utterly alien."

Jerusalem Post Editorial, August 15

"Both senior officials should know better than making statements that are above their station and that can potentially undermine Israel's position in future negotiations ... At a time like this, talking about relinquishing the Golan, with its strategic and historic value, is something that no responsible Israeli leader should do ... At some point, Israel may have to negotiate the future of its settlements in the West Bank ... But the pending evacuation of 7,000 settlers from Gaza is going to be trauma enough for now, not only for them but for all Israelis, including those of us who support disengagement ...

"Ariel Sharon must publicly distance himself from these comments and set a precedent deterring other senior officers and ministers from stating opinions without authorisation ... A prime minister who must routinely contend with insubordinate cabinet members and generals cannot be expected to govern effectively."

Gulf News Editorial, United Arab Emirates, August 15

"Syria is wise not to take seriously Israel's offer ... unless the offer is backed by moves on the ground. Israel has always promised what is necessary but never delivered. Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian National Authority all rushed to the table, ill-prepared, to negotiate with the Jewish state ... They ended up being a divided lot, with Israel having conquered all the deals ...

"Why is Israel willing to talk peace with Syria now? Especially when it fully understands that anything short of pulling out from its colonies, giving up the valuable source of water and security location, basically complete pull-back to the 1967 borders, will not be accepted by Syria ... Israel is just trying to do some PR for itself while it is not being looked at favourably and some of its old friends, like Turkey, are choosing to get closer to Syria and Iran."